Religion Course Descriptions

REL160 World Religions
Surveys the major world religions, including a look at their founders and their theology in terms of their views of God, self, society, purposes of life, traditions, and rituals. Includes the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and the primary Asian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Also includes attention to religious offshoots of (and precursors to) the mainstream religions (e.g., Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism and Bhakti faiths). Uses reflective and critical reading, thinking, writing, and discussion to explore the principal components of the world’s dominant wisdom traditions. Recommended: Placement into WR121; or WR115 with a grade of C or better. Offered as needed. CL
4 Credits

REL201 Asian Religions
Uses reflective and critical reading, thinking, writing, and discussion to explore the principal components of the dominant religions in Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Traces the historical development, fundamental beliefs and practices, and recommended lifestyle of each. Includes how to study a religion. Recommended: Placement into WR121; or completion of WR115 with a grade of C or better. F, W, Sp, Su
4 Credits

REL202 Middle Eastern Religions
Uses reflective and critical reading, thinking, writing, and discussion to explore the principal components of the dominant monotheistic religions of the Middle East: Judaism; Christianity; and Islam. Traces the historical development and fundamental beliefs and practices of each religion. Includes how to study a religion. Recommended: Placement into WR121; or completion of WR115 with a grade of C or better. F, W, Sp, Su
4 Credits

REL203 Religion in US Culture
Explores the varieties of religious experience in the U.S., both contemporary and historical, along with the roles played by religion in public discourse. Asks critical questions about how faith traditions have responded to the challenges of colonial and post-colonial American life, with particular attention to the impact of secularism on religious belief and practice in the modern United States. Recommended: Placement into WR121; or WR115 with a grade of C or better. Offered as needed. CL
4 Credits